Imagine a day filled with thought-provoking speakers, engaging activities and stimulating conversation — all designed for young people. If this sounds like something your community needs, you might be interested in organizing a TEDxYouth event in your town. But where do you start? 

Here are some important things to consider before you fill out a TEDxYouth license.

1. Consider the name. If an event is held at a school, the name of the event should be “TEDx” followed by the name of the school. So Elm Street High School’s event would be TEDxElmStreetHighSchool. The name becomes the identity of the event, which is a great way to build school pride!

2. Enter the right date. A weekend date is strongly recommended so that it doesn’t interfere with school time.

3. Determine if you plan to have live speakers. Just let the TEDx team know what type of speakers you plan on having for your event. Will it be all student speakers? Will it be all adult speakers? Will it be TED-Ed Club Members from multiple Clubs throughout the region and/or members of the broader community? Don’t worry, though, this is just to get your initial thoughts about speakers and ideas that will be presented on stage — this can be changed!

4. Why are you doing this? Let the TEDx team know what you’re hoping to achieve through this event. Is it about sharing ideas? Collaborating? Community? It’s a chance for the TEDx team to get to know you better!

5. Make sure you’ve looked through all of the TEDx rules. Read through the rules for more specific information about ticketing, sponsorship and branding rules, etc.

To see how one school district hosts a TEDxYouth event that celebrates their whole community and all their schools using TED-Ed’s presentation literacy guide in their classrooms, watch this video.

Not using TED-Ed’s presentation literacy guide, yet? Fill out an application here! »